Page 52 of Torin and the Princess

And we drove back to the house.

He leaned out the open window, letting the wind blow through his hair and then closed his eyes, warm sun and breeze on his handsome face.

I took furtive glances, thinking about how handsome he was, how he looked like a model, when his mood clouded over. He sighed. His expression turned dark and sad. He was so strapping, muscular, and big that it seemed he couldn’t take things to heart, but it was clear he was feeling something deeply.

It made me want to make things better for him. “Are you worried, Torin?”

He kept his eyes on the horizon as he spoke. “Aye, Mistress Lexi, I am troubled. I am far from my time and though this journey is wondrous, my heart yearns for home. I long for the reek of sweatin’ horses, the clatter of carts lurchin’ over ruts, roads near impassable with muck and mire, and the deep nights, where ye pray for a glimmer of light tae find yer way.” His mouth drew up on the corner and he met my eyes.

“You’re homesick, huh?”

“Aye, and I wish Max were here tae see this. He would take joy in the fleetness of yer carriage, the pickled eggs — och, he would relish them — and he would find pleasure in sparrin’ about the peasants takin’ the right of way. Max treasures his birthright as an exiled prince, ye ken, and fiercely argues tae defend his rights.”

“Maybe once you master the vessel, he could join you here for a visit.”

“Alas, he is beset with troubles.”

“He really is an exiled royal? Is this true?”

“Aye, he’s a prince of a mighty realm, rich in power and name.” He chuckled and ran his hand through his hair. “Max oft says tis more perilous than ye would wager and less grand than ye might think.’”

“He’s probably very rich, though?”

Torin shrugged. “He dwelt with me in a cold, drafty keep, and I am but a baron’s son. Our lodgings were nae what ye would call princely—more stone and shadow than silk and gold.”

“Why?”

He sighed. “Because he is exiled, he is hunted. His foes want tae see his line ended. I knew he needed tae remain hidden, but I dinna understand the depth of the danger until I saw with my own eyes what this vessel could do. Max’s life will be in grave danger if his foes gain this sorcery.”

I sighed. “I’m not sure I understand any of it, but I get that it’s dangerous.”

His head turned as he watched a sign go by. “Aye, tis, when I time-journeyed the last time I ended up being chased and fell from a cliff. My death was near-assured.”

“Ugh, that does not sound good. Besides the fact that Max is the prince, the danger is forhisthrone, you’re just his friend.”

“I hae sworn to protect him. His troubles hae become my own. I must lay down m’life for him.”

I said, “That’s very devoted of you. I’ve got a few close friends, and Cooper and Jen, I’ve never asked them if they would lay down their lives for me... I’m sure they would, possibly, but I don’t think we measure friendships that way anymore.”

He watched my face as I spoke. “Hae ye lived here yer entire life?”

“Yep. In the house where I grew up. It was built by my great-grandfather’s father way back in 1820. My parents um… passed the house down to me.”

He nodded, then looked out the window again.

Then he looked back. “I appreciate all ye hae done for me, Mistress Lexi. Someday I will learn tae wield the time travel vessel and bring Max tae see these wonders. Twould lift his heart tae meet the bonny mistress who took on our troubles. Ye hae done a great service, I daena ken what I would do without ye.”

“Likely sleep on the ground in the woods.”

“Aye, I would be even more disgustin’. I want ye tae ken, as I am invited tae share a meal, I am usually in better form.”

I said, “Yeah, right, true. You need clothes. I don’t think Cooper has anything you can fit. My uncle has a box in the attic, but I don’t know…” I turned on my blinker and took a left. “Hold that thought?—”

He gripped the dash as I turned the corner, laughing. “I hae nae idea what ye want me tae hold ontae while ye careen. If this were a carriage and I had been ridin’ alongside, I would likely be chasin’ one of its wheels down the hill!”

“But this is my BMW and there is no way a wheel is coming off.” I swerved the car a little just to keep him on his toes. “We have a second-hand clothing store. We’ll grab you a shirt and pants so you’re more comfortable at the meal. You made a good point, and I mean this with all due respect, you stink.”

He chuckled and sniffed under his arm. “Tis the sweat of fear and it has turned.”

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